A significant drop in English participation marks IPL 2025, with only ten England players featuring, compared to eighteen in 2024. Star players like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook have opted out to prioritize England’s packed international schedule, including a five-Test series against India and the Ashes. Stokes cited workload management as a key factor, emphasizing the need to prolong his England career. This shift highlights a growing trend of English players choosing national duty over lucrative T20 leagues, raising concerns about player availability for future IPL seasons. The decision underscores the increasing demands of international cricket. (PC: Wikipedia)  

As Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025, the match is set to be a battle between SRH’s power-packed batting and LSG’s well-balanced bowling unit. With big hitters like Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram leading SRH’s charge, LSG will rely on bowlers like Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur to contain the run flow. While Hyderabad’s batting firepower is a key strength, concerns remain over their bowling depth. This high-stakes encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium promises an intense clash between two contrasting yet competitive teams. (PC: Sportstar)  

Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 97 guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an easy 8-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Batting first, RR struggled on a slow pitch and managed 151/9 in 20 overs. Varun Chakaravarthy (2/17) and Moeen Ali (2/23) bowled well for KKR. Dhruv Jurel top-scored for RR with 33 off 28 balls. Chasing 152, KKR started slow but de Kock’s 97 off 61 balls, including 8 fours and 6 sixes, sealed the win. KKR’s bowlers and de Kock’s brilliance made the victory look effortless. (PC: BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders’ spin trio—Varun Chakaravarthy, Moeen Ali, and Vaibhav Arora—capitalized on the slow Barsapara pitch, each taking 2 wickets to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 151/9 in 20 overs. Dhruv Jurel top-scored with 33 off 28 balls, while an amusing moment saw Shimron Hetmyer fall dramatically after being hit by a Jurel drive. The Windies batter laughed off the incident. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl first. KKR now looks to chase the modest target. (PC: X/@KKRiders)

In the sixth match of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Both teams are aiming for their first win after losing their opening matches—KKR fell to Royal Challengers Bangalore, while RR lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. With RR’s regular captain Sanju Samson sidelined due to injury, local talent Riyan Parag is leading the team. The pitch is batting-friendly, and dew is expected to play a crucial role in the second innings, favoring the chasing side in this high-stakes encounter. (PC: PTI)  

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will battle for their first IPL 2025 win in Guwahati on Wednesday. Riyan Parag’s RR suffered a 44-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both teams need stronger bowling performances, with RR relying on their middle order, led by Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel. Parag emphasized their role in lower-scoring games. KKR holds a psychological edge, with RR winning just one of their four games in Guwahati. The clash could be decisive for both teams' campaign momentum. (PC: PTI)

Afghanistan's premier spinner, Rashid Khan, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the third-fastest bowler to claim 150 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing the Gujarat Titans (GT), Rashid reached this landmark during a match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 26, 2025. He dismissed PBKS opener Priyansh Arya in the seventh over, marking his 150th IPL wicket in just 122 matches. This feat places him behind only Lasith Malinga, who achieved it in 105 matches, and Yuzvendra Chahal, who reached the milestone in 118 games. Notably, Rashid surpassed India's Jasprit Bumrah, who took 124 matches to reach 150 wickets. Despite Rashid's achievement, the Gujarat Titans suffered an 11-run defeat to the Punjab Kings, who posted a formidable total of 243/5. (PC: The Hindu)

Football icon Lionel Messi will visit India in October 2025 as Argentina plays an exhibition match in Kerala, 14 years after his last appearance in the country. HSBC India, now an official partner of Argentina’s national team, confirmed the match as part of their promotional efforts. Messi’s previous visit was in 2011 when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The Argentine Football Association aims to expand its global presence through this partnership. Indian football fans eagerly await the chance to witness the World Cup-winning captain in action once again. (PC: Reuters)

Argentina dominated Brazil with a 4-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez scored for Argentina, while Matheus Cunha netted Brazil’s only goal. The win secured Argentina’s place in the World Cup after Bolivia’s draw against Uruguay. Brazil, currently third in the CONMEBOL table, still needs points to qualify. Argentina's commanding performance reinforced their dominance in South American football. With this victory, Lionel Scaloni’s squad continues to impress, building momentum for the World Cup. ( PC: AFP)

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly hailed Shreyas Iyer as the "most improved batsman" in the last year, asserting he is ready for all formats. Iyer’s unbeaten 97 off 42 balls led Punjab Kings to an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Ganguly praised his adaptability, especially after topping the charts in India's Champions Trophy triumph. Iyer expressed joy over his innings, saying his early boundary gave him confidence. Punjab Kings next face Lucknow Super Giants on April 1. Fans now eagerly watch if Iyer cements his place across formats for India. (PC: X/ @PunjabKingsIPL)